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Why Setting Your AC to 24 Degrees Saves Money and Boosts Cooling
M
Moneycontrol•05-10-2026, 21:44
Why Setting Your AC to 24 Degrees Saves Money and Boosts Cooling
- •Running your air conditioner at 24 degrees Celsius reduces compressor strain and cuts electricity bills while maintaining comfort.
- •The Bureau of Energy Efficiency notes that raising the temperature setting by just one degree lowers power consumption by about 6 percent.
- •Setting the AC to 16 or 18 degrees does not cool a room faster, it only forces the compressor to run continuously without a break, which can freeze coils and reduce cooling efficiency.
- •Using a 1.5-ton AC at 24 degrees instead of 18 degrees can save around Rs 829 per month and roughly Rs 3,300 across a four-month cooling season.
- •Additional savings can be achieved by keeping fan speed on auto, closing doors and windows, cleaning filters every two weeks, and using sleep or eco modes.
Key Questions Answered
According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), raising your air conditioner's temperature setting by just one degree Celsius reduces electricity consumption by roughly 6 percent.
Lower settings like 18 degrees force the compressor to run continuously without a break because the room seldom reaches that target. This extended operation increases electricity usage and can even freeze moisture on the evaporator coil.
To enhance savings, keep the fan speed set to auto, ensure all doors and windows remain closed while the unit operates, and clean the air filters every two weeks. Utilizing sleep or eco modes at night also helps by gradually raising the temperature.
